Huancui Bridge

Huancui Bridge in Shitun Village, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province, was originally built in the 19th year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and remains intact today. Made of stone, the bridge has two piers and three arches. Its roof, resembling a small mountain, features three tiers of eaves, glazed tiles, and four-cornered pagodas. Uniquely, this design makes it the only bridge of its kind in the world.

During the Ming Dynasty, the hardworking villagers of Shitun built the bridge and three temples to honor their ancestors and bless future generations. The pavilion-style Huancui Bridge, known for its natural beauty, earned the nickname "Little Heavenly Palace".

When I visited the bridge in early winter of 2023, I was struck by its flawless beauty. Supported by twenty wooden columns, the triple-eaved roof stands tall. The second level, once a viewing platform, was later transformed into the Jade Emperor Pavilion, where the Jade Emperor and four deities are worshipped. Each level is adorned with green and yellow glazed tiles, connected with mortise and tenon joints, ensuring the structure's stability over centuries. Today, it still safely accommodates vehicles and horses, serving the village for generations.

At the top of the main span, a commemorative plaque honors the Liu clan, including Liu Zici and Liu Zi'en, who raised funds and promoted the bridge’s construction during the Ming Dynasty.

#CoveredBridgesofChina

Wu Weiping (Instagram @wp_bridges_hunter)

Wu Weiping, co-photographer of Fantastic China: 

20 years, 400,000+ kilometers, 100,000 photos...  for capturing the remnants of ancient Chinese Covered Bridges.